Good to know · Health
Public healthcare and the health card with international protection
People granted international protection have access to healthcare on the same terms as Spanish nationals (Ley 12/2009, art. 36). As legal residents, they ask the INSS to recognize their right to public healthcare; the regional health service then issues the individual health card (tarjeta sanitaria individual).
- Why it matters
- The health card is how you get a family doctor and prescriptions. Ask for INSS recognition once you have your protection document and padrón.
- When
- You have been granted international protection and live in Spain.
- Official page
- Ley 12/2009, art. 36.1 f) (access to healthcare)
- Last checked
- 20 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 2 steps, what to bring (2 items), and tips and what to watch for, with every official source.